In a touching display of community support, Taylor Swift fans, affectionately known as Swifties, are rallying behind two young women—Presley Cash, a 27-year-old American Idol reject, and 13-year-old Lily Tomlinson, who is battling a terminal brain tumor. Both stories highlight the power of fandom and the compassion that can arise from shared admiration for one of music's biggest stars.
Presley Cash recently auditioned for the latest season of American Idol, but unfortunately, her performance was not aired. Despite this setback, she has garnered significant attention for her appearances in two of Taylor Swift's music videos: "Mean" and "I Can See You." After her audition was aired, Cash took to TikTok to share her experience, posting photographs of herself in front of the judges while playing Swift's "Mean" in the background. She humorously captioned one of her posts, "American Idol told me I can't sing... But Taylor gave me this Tortured Poets Department Bracelet And after my little trip to Nashville... I am more tortured and poetic than EVER‼️"
Fans quickly rallied around Cash, with many reminding her that even the most successful artists, including Taylor Swift herself, faced rejection before achieving greatness. One supportive comment on her TikTok paraphrased lyrics from "Mean," stating, "mind you the biggest pop star in the world was told 'you can’t sing.'" Another fan encouraged her to use the experience as fuel, pointing out that several successful musicians were also once rejected from American Idol.
Meanwhile, the story of Lily Tomlinson is one of courage and resilience. Diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a terminal brain tumor, in December 2024, the 13-year-old from Pennsylvania has received an outpouring of love and support from Swifties. Lily's family has encouraged fans to send letters and care packages to brighten her days. Her father, Seth Tomlinson, explained, "Up until the beginning of December, Lily had no health issues whatsoever... She was very active, very physical. And then she started having trouble swallowing a little bit or chewing food, a little bit of dizziness."
After receiving her diagnosis, Lily underwent her final radiation treatment at the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania in January 2025 and returned home to be with her family. Despite her condition, Lily maintains a positive outlook, often saying, "You just do a thumbs up through the hard times." Her mother, Kelsey Tomlinson, shared how Lily's spirit remains bright, stating, "She's got a hospital bed in the living room... I sleep on the couch next to her just to keep an eye on her."
Swifties have shown remarkable generosity in their support for Lily. A GoFundMe page set up shortly after her diagnosis raised over $83,196, surpassing its original goal of $75,000. Donations came in increments of $13, a nod to Swift's favorite number. The funds are intended to assist with Lily's care and any necessary equipment. Additionally, fans have sent care packages, merchandise, and heartfelt notes, with her family expressing deep gratitude for the kindness shown by the community. "Thousands of letters of people just giving positivity and love. We read every single one, and every single one makes me cry," her father said.
In Lily's room, decorated with Taylor Swift memorabilia, the atmosphere is filled with love and support. The words "Brave Lily" and "Swifties for Lily" are prominently displayed above her hospital bed, a testament to the community's unwavering encouragement. "My mom's always been a Swiftie," Lily shared. "We listen to Taylor Swift everywhere. I love how she's really inspirational and she can do amazing things all by herself."
Lily's favorite song, "Last Kiss," holds special meaning for her now, as her mother notes, "The song has a whole new meaning for me after we got Lily's diagnosis. One day, there will be a last kiss." Despite the challenges she faces, Lily remains hopeful and draws strength from her admiration of Taylor Swift, whom she describes as "the most powerful woman that I can think of."
Both Presley Cash and Lily Tomlinson's stories exemplify the profound impact of fandom and the kindness that can emerge from it. As Swifties continue to support these young women, they remind us all of the strength found in community and the importance of lifting one another up during difficult times. The Tomlinson family encourages fans to continue sending letters and care packages to Lily at: Lily Tomlinson, P.O. Box #366, Plumsteadville, PA 18949, ensuring that the love and support keep flowing.
